Bull Island Brewing Company

Visited in March 2023 while on a business trip in the area.

The brewery is located on the ground floor in a modern multi-story building overlooking the marina in Hampton. I went in the evening and had a little trouble finding it and finding parking because there were very unwelcoming signs saying that the parking deck above the marina was for another business only. Eventually I saw a small sign near the entrance to the parking deck saying Bull Island customers could park as well. Once I parked, I walked down to the water level and found the front door pretty easily.

The taproom is located right next to the production area in a very industrial-looking space with exposed ceiling vents and conduits and large garage doors on the walls. There is a large bar top and a few simple tables and hightop tables. It was almost empty on a mid-week evening, but I got great service from the enthusiastic and friendly bartender. They had a simple food menu. I tried a pizza on the bartender's recommendation and found it delicious.

There were 16 Bull Island beers on tap, along with 3 ciders from a guest cidery. The styles I saw on tap were fairly conventional. like Brown Ale and Porter. But there was also a Marzen, American Strong Ale and Tripel, which showed a willingness to stretch out a bit. All the beers I tried were above average and very enjoyable.

Overall, I had a very nice experience here. This is a welcoming brewery with well-made beer and simple but tasty food. I bet the view is great in the day time, as well! This place is worth a stop.

 

 

Just by happenstance stopped into town before getting on the traffic under the bridge to NC. Great little nook on the wharf. In need of more umbrellas on the waterfront so we had to sit inside. Pink pong table, sports on TV, and games available. Comfortable crowd toward the 2 o'clock hour. Limited food menu but very good. We had a Margherita pizza and Caesar salad. Staff seemed a bit overwhelmed and ordering was confusing but no big deal. I could tell some catering to the locals so I had to forcibly order at the bar. Ample brews to sample and prices were very reasonable considering location. Hoping a specialty brew to be on tap but no. Worth a stop.

This is the most underated Micro in the Hampton Roads area. All their styles are spot on to what they are supposed to be, with Laura's Tripel leading the way for me personally. They have an awesome single hopped, with a floral hop, IPA, I believe it was the Queens Way, that is outstanding. Their Kolsch is also winner. Haven't had a bad beer here and hopefully they will be able to produce this wonderful quality forever.

 

Went here on an extraordinarily warm late December Sunday for some brews and football watching. Chill atmosphere with good and friendly service and plenty of beer options in terms of size (sample, half pint and pint) as well as cheap prices for the area. Had four of the eight beers on tap and some really good stuff already on tap at this place and a really good location for summer parties so this is a place to check out soon.